3Com 9100 User Manual page 166

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166
LOSSARY
IP Internet Protocol. IP is a layer 3 network protocol that is the standard
for sending data through a network. IP is part of the TCP/IP set of
protocols that describe the routing of packets to addressed devices.
Internetwork Packet Exchange. IPX is a layer 3 and 4 network protocol
IPX
designed for networks that use Novell ® Netware ® .
Internet Protocol address. A unique identifier for a device attached to a
IP address
network using TCP/IP. The address is written as four octets separated
with periods (full-stops), and is made up of a network section, an
optional subnet section and a host section.
Local Area Network. A network of endstations (such as PCs, printers,
LAN
servers) and network devices (hubs and switches) that cover a relatively
small geographic area (usually not larger than a floor or building). LANs
are characterized by high transmission speeds over short distances (up
to 1000m).
LLC Logical Link Control. A sublayer of the IEEE data link layer that is
located above the MAC sublayer. The LLC sublayer is responsible for
MAC sublayer addressing, flow control, error control, and framing.
latency The delay between the time a device receives a packet and the time the
packet is forwarded out of the destination port.
line speed See baud .
load sharing Load sharing allows a user to increase the bandwidth and resilience
between switches by using a group of ports to carry traffic between
the switches.
loop An event that occurs when two network devices are connected by
more than one path, thereby causing packets to repeatedly cycle
around the network and not reach their destination.
Media Access Control. A protocol specified by the IEEE for determining
MAC
which devices have access to a network at any one time.